Staff Reporter: For the fifth consecutive year, Bangladeshi-American journalist and editor of the online news portal Bangla Press, Chhabed Sathee, has been honored with the FOBANA Award 2025 for his outstanding contributions in reporting on irregularities, corruption, and internal conflicts within the Federation of Bangladeshi Associations in North America (FOBANA), particularly regarding the formation of its executive committees. Previously, he received the FOBANA Award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
On Saturday (local time), during the second day of the three-day 39th FOBANA Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, the award was presented to him by Masud Rob Chowdhury, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the 39th FOBANA Convention. The three-day convention began last Friday (August 29) at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, about 35 miles from Atlanta.
Following the global COVID-19 pandemic, FOBANA faced severe internal disputes over the formation of its executive committee, resulting in repeated expulsions and counter-expulsions. At one stage, after losing in elections, a vested group even formed a parallel committee and organized a rival FOBANA convention.
Since its inception in 1987, FOBANA has faced many attacks, and it is expected that such challenges will continue in the future. Because of these constant conflicts, FOBANA’s progress has not been as strong as anticipated, though it has never come to a complete halt. Attempts to destroy any noble and valuable creation have always existed and will continue.
Over the years, several individuals and groups have tried to use FOBANA as a tool for personal gain and as a platform for social and political recognition—some succeeded, others failed. On July 24, 2023, FOBANA expelled two organizations for engaging in unconstitutional and harmful activities against the federation. These organizations were: Bangladesh American Women Association of Texas and United Bangladesh American Community of Texas. Following their expulsion, both groups launched negative propaganda against FOBANA.
For his bold and consistent reporting on these irregularities, conflicts, and issues surrounding FOBANA over the past five years, Chhabed Sathee has once again been recognized with the FOBANA Award 2025. Earlier, he was similarly honored at the FOBANA conventions in Chicago (Illinois) in 2022, Dallas (Texas) in 2023, and Virginia in 2024.
[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.] BP/CS
